History

The Barry and Patricia Wakeman Educational Foundation was established in 2008 by Patricia Wakeman in memory of her late husband Barry, who was Director of Education at the Cincinnati Zoo for 27 years. In 1969 Trish assisted Barry as he developed a Children's Education program at the Zoo that became a model for zoos all around the world. In 1997 their paths had crossed again and they were married.

In 1998 the Wakemans purchased property on Cave Road in Highland County, becoming Land Stewards in cooperation with the adjacent Arc of Appalachia (Highlands Nature Sanctuary), with the intention of conducting nature workshops there for children and adults. Barry cleared the land of a generation of discarded appliances, auto parts and tires, old metal buildings, deer stands and acres of barb wire fencing. Trees, native bushes, grasses, plants and wildflowers were planted in the fields that had been heavily overgrazed by cattle. Two ponds, (one vernal), were added, as well as an organic vegetable garden and orchard. An alternative energy dome home/education center, aviary, greenhouse and large barn were erected, along with caretaker homes. A kennel was later built to help house the many rescue dogs who were regularly abandoned in the Cave road area. Barry led workshops at the Sanctuary and at the farm until the symptoms of ALS became so severe he was no longer able to do so.

After his death in 2004 Trish began the process of establishing the Foundation and has continued to nurture their vision by adding family friendly livestock, butterfly and bird gardens, fairy and elf gardens, and conducting children's nature programs and community potlucks and movie nights focused on educational topics..

The Wakeman Foundation also enthusiastically supports the work of the Highland Nature Sanctuary/Arc of Appalachia.